Sacred Threads Exhibit

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Karen

I’m so excited, honored and thrilled to be part of the 2015 Sacred Threads Exhibit. My piece “A Poppy for Mother” was accepted into the show.

My quilt, “A Poppy for Mother” is much more than a pretty flower. It contains all the feelings and emotions I was going thru during this time in my life. While I was working on this piece my life was out of control. My days were chaotic. It was only late at night that I found peace, quiet and solitude. For me stitching is meditative and very therapeutic. Stitching really does mend the soul. The process of making this quilt helped me deal with my grief.

A little bit about the show…..
For the exhibit, quilts are divided into categories based on theme. These are Expressions of Joy, Spirituality, Inspiration, Grief, Healing and Peace/Brotherhood. The artwork themes provide thought-provoking insights, encouragement, inspiration and healing responses to grief and human hardships. It has attracted a wide array of visitors and has proved appropriate for all ages from young teens to seniors. The exhibit is a positive influence on the human spirit, giving joy as well as addressing concerns of the soul and mind.

The show does not emphasize any particular religion or theology but conveys the spirituality, healing and inspirational messages that transcend all people.

Several locations have already enthusiastically agreed to host the 40 piece travel exhibit and other venues are still in the works. My piece will be part of the traveling exhibit. The dates and locations committed so far are:

September 2015 – Flint Festival of Quilts, Flint Presbyterian Church, Flint MI
November 2015 – Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta GA
February 2016 – Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena CA
May 2016 – Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Hayesville NC

Hope you can take in the show. Below is a link to the travel book. My piece is on page 19.

http://www.sacredthreadsquilts.com/STTravelFlip/STTravelBook.html

Paducah Show

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Karen

I can’t believe it, but if you look closely at the cover of the catalog of show quilts you will see the detail of “Princess Daphne.” I’m thrilled.

Both my quilts were accepted in the show and now Daphne is part of the cover. Wow, it’s been a big, exciting month. I hope you will pick up a copy of the catalog to see all the beautiful quilts. They are all stunning.

Here is a full shot of “HRH Princess Daphne.” (23″ x 14″)

Yes, she rules the house and loves it. This piece was whole cloth painted, thread painted, the blue area is hand applique and free motion quilted. I had so much fun working on her eyes.

Here is a pic of my other entry “A poppy for mother.” (40″ x 55″)I worked on this quilt while my mother was in the last stages of alzheimer’s disease. It was a great way to get away from all the sadness of her illness.

Here is a detail shot. This piece was raw edge applique and free motion quilted. I thoroughly enjoyed choosing all the fabrics for this one. They ranged from red to pink to white to purple to violet. Plus some green for the stem. I shot all the photos of the poppies at Wing Haven in Myers Park.

I have several other projects I’m working on currently. I will post about those soon.

I’ve been AWOL….

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Karen

for some time know. Life just keeps getting in the way but I’ve still been quilting. Usually late at night. Around midnight you can see the studio glowing from outer space—I have all the lights on because I need good light, the machine is humming, the kitties are there to keep me company and Mark is downstairs playing guitar. Here is what I’ve been working on lately.

Painting the poppy.

Portrait of Mom

Poppy in progress…

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Karen

I’ve just started painting a poppy and I think it’s coming along nicely. The petals are the most challenging part…how do you make them look like paper?….lots of practice.

I’m hoping to have the pods and background complete soon.